1. ENGLISH ELECTIVE NCERT (Code No.

001)
CLASSES XI - XII
(2017-18)
Background
The course is intended to give students a high level of competence in English with an emphasis on the study
of literary texts. The course will provide extensive exposure to a variety of rich texts of world literature
as well as Indian writings in English, including classics; develop sensitivity to the creative and imaginative
use of English and give them a taste for reading with delight and discernment. The course is
primarily designed to equip the students to pursue higher studies in English literature and English
language at the college level.

Objectives
The general objectives at this stage are:
i) to provide extensive exposure to a variety of writings in English, including some classics to develop
sensitivity to literary and creative uses of the language.
ii) to further expand the learners' vocabulary resources through the use of dictionary, thesaurus and
encyclopaedia.
iii) to develop a taste for reading with discernment and delight.
iv) to critically examine a text and comment on different aspects.
v) to develop proficiency in English both in receptive and productive skills.

At the end of this course, the learner

i) grasps the global meaning of the text, its gist and understands how its theme and sub-themes relate.
ii) relates to the details provided in the text, for example, how the details support a generalization or the
conclusion either by classification or by contrast and comparison.
iii) comprehends details, locates and identifies facts, arguments, logical relationships, generalization,
conclusion, in the texts.
iv) draws inferences, supplies missing details, predicts outcomes, grasps the significance of particular
details and interprets texts.
v) assesses and analyzes the point of view of the author.
vi) infers the meanings of words and phrases from the context; differentiates between apparent synonyms.
vii) appreciates stylistic nuances, the lexical structure; its literal and figurative uses and analyses a variety
of texts.
viii) identifies different styles of writing like humorous, satirical, contemplative, ironical and burlesque.
ix) can produce text-based writing (writing in response to questions or tasks based on prescribed as well as
'unseen' texts)
x) develops the advanced skills of reasoning, inferring, analysing, evaluating and creating.
xi) develops familiarity with the poetic uses of language including features of the language through which
artistic effect is achieved.

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Methods and Techniques

The techniques used for teaching should promote habits of self-learning and reduce dependence on the
teacher. The multi-skill, learner-centred, activity-based approach already recommended for the previous
stages of education, is still in place, though it will be used in such a way that silent reading of prescribed
selected texts for comprehension will receive greater focus as one of the activities. Learners will be trained
to read independently and intelligently, interacting actively with texts and other reference materials
(dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedia, etc.) where necessary. Some pre-reading activity will generally be
required, and course books suggest those activities. The reading of texts should be followed by post reading
activities. It is important to remember that every text can generate different reading strategies. Students
should be encouraged to interpret texts in different ways, understand the views of others and present their
views on a literary text. Some projects may be assigned to students from time to time, for instance,
students may be asked to put together a few literary pieces on a given theme.

ENGLISH ELECTIVE NCERT (Code No. 001)

CLASS - XI

SECTION - A
Reading an unseen passage and a poem 35 Periods
Very Short and Short Answer Questions: Literary or discursive passage of about 900-950 words.
Short Answer Questions: A poem of about 20-24 lines to test interpretation and appreciation.

SECTION B
Creative Writing Skills 35 Periods
Long Answer Question: An essay on an argumentative/discursive/reflective/descriptive topic.
Very Long Answer Question: A composition such as an article / a report / a speech.

SECTION C
Literature Textbooks
Woven Words 75 Periods
Very Short and Long Answer Questions: To test comprehension, literary appreciation and drawing
inferences in poetry and prose.
Arms and the Man - [Drama] 25 Periods
Long Answer Questions: To test the evaluation of characters, events and episodes.
Fiction
Short and Long Answer Questions: To test analysis of characters, events, episodes and interpersonal
relationships and understanding of content, events and episodes 25 Periods
Note: Short answer questions or long answer questions based on values can be given in the writing or in the
literature section.

Seminar

Presentation of a book review/a play/a short story/a novel/novella (tale, table, parable) to be followed
by a question-answer session.

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 Poetry reading to be followed by interpretative tasks based on close reading and literary analysis of the
text.

Critical review of a film or a play

Conducting a theatre workshop to be followed by a discussion

Note : Teachers may develop their own rubrics to assess the performance of student objectively

The parameters for assessing Speaking skills as given the syllabus of English Core and English Elective CBSE
may be referred to.

Prescribed Books:
1. Text book: Woven Words published by NCERT
2. Fiction: The Old Man and the Sea (Novel unabridged) by Ernest Hemingway

3. Drama: Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

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 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN 2017-18
CLASS XI
ENGLISH ELECTIVE NCERT XI (Code No. 001) Marks -100 (80+20 Seminar)
Testing VSA Short Long Long Very Total Overal
Competencies/learning 1 Answer Answer Answer Long marks l%
outcomes mark 50-60 -1 -2 Answer
words 80 - 120- 150 -
Typology 100 150 200
2
words words words
marks
5 (HOTS)
6
marks marks 10
marks

Conceptual understanding,
decoding, analysing,
Reading
inferring, interpreting, 10 5 20 20
Comprehension
appreciating, literary
conventions and vocabulary.

Reasoning, appropriacy of
Creative
style and tone, use of
Writing Skill 2 20 20
appropriate format and
fluency

Recalling, reasoning,
appreciating literary
Literature conventions illustrating with
4 5 1 20 20
Texts relevant quotations from the
texts, giving opinions and
justifying with fluency

Recalling, reasoning,
appreciating literary
conventions, illustrating with
Drama 2 10 10
relevant quotations from the
texts, giving opinions and
justifying with fluency

Recalling, reasoning,
appreciating literary
Fiction conventions, Illustrating with
2 1 10 10
relevant quotations from the
texts, giving opinions and
justifying and fluency

Seeking information and

clarifying, illustrating with
relevant quotations from the
texts, reasoning, diction,
articulation clarity of
pronunciation, using
Seminar appropriate language 20 20
conventions
Addressing participants using
appropriate titles or
nomenclatures and overall
fluency

TOTAL 14x1 12x2= 2x6= 2x10= 80+20

2x5=10 100
= 14 24 12 20 =100

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 ENGLISH ELECTIVE NCERT (Code No. 001)
CLASS-XII

SECTION - A
Reading an unseen passage and a poem 60 Periods
Very Short Answer Questions: One literary or discursive passage of about 950-1000 words followed by
short questions
Short Answer Questions: A poem of about 24 - 28 lines to test interpretation and appreciation.

SECTION - B
Creative Writing Skills and Applied Grammar 60 Periods
Long Answer Question: A short discursive, interpretative writing
Very Long Answer Questions: An essay on an argumentative/discursive topic such as an
article/report/speech.
Very Short Answer Question: Transformation of sentences.

SECTION - C
Literature Textbook: Kaleidoscope 60 Periods
Short Answer Questions: To test understanding and appreciation
Long Answer Question: To test deeper understanding, interpretation, appreciation, drawing of
inferences and evaluation.

Fiction 40 Periods
Long Answer Questions: Seeking comments, interpretation, evaluation and appreciation of characters,
events, episodes and interpersonal relationships.
Very Long Answer Question: To test deeper understanding, interpretation, appreciation and drawing
inferences.

Prescribed Books:
1. Kaleidoscope - Text book published by NCERT
2. A Tiger for Malgudi or The Financial Expert by R.K. Narayan (Novel) Fiction

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 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN 2017-18
CLASS XII
ENGLISH ELECTIVE NCERT XII (Code No. 001) Marks -100
Typology Testing VSA Short Long Long Very Total Over
Competencies/learning 1 Answer Answer- Answer- Long marks all %
outcomes marks 50-60 1 2 Answer
words 80 - 100 120-150 150 -
words words 200
2 marks
5 marks words
6 marks
(HOTS)
10
marks

Conceptual understanding,
decoding,
Reading analysing, inferring,
10 5 20 20
Comprehension interpreting, appreciating
or literary conventions and
vocabulary.

Reasoning appropriacy of
Style and tone, using
appropriate format,
infererring, analysing,
evaluating, creativity with
Creative fluency
Writing Skills 10 2 1 30 30
Applying appropriate
language Conventions,
comprehension
using structures
interactively, application,
accuracy and fluency

Recalling, reasoning,
appreciating literary
conventions illustrating
with relevant quotations
Literature
from the texts, giving 4 2 2 30 30
Texts
opinions and justifying,
infererring, analysing,
evaluating, creativity and
fluency

Recalling, reasoning,
appreciating literary
conventions, Illustrating
Fiction with relevant quotations
2 1 20 20
from the texts, infererring,
analysing, evaluating and
creating, giving opinions,
justifying with fluency

TOTAL 20x1= 2x10=

9x2=18 6x5=30 2x6=12 100 100
20 20

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 2. ENGLISH ELECTIVE CBSE
(Code No. 101)
(2017-18)
Aims and Objectives of the Course

According to NCF 2005: The language environment of disadvantaged learners needs to be enriched by
developing schools into community learning centres. A variety of successful innovations exists whose
generalizability needs exploration and encouragement. Approaches and methods need not be exclusive but
may be mutually supportive within a broad cognitive philosophy. Higher-order skills (including literary
appreciation and role of language in gendering) can be developed once fundamental competencies are
ensured.

Further, according to NCF 2005: A set of work-related generic competencies (basic, interpersonal and
systemic) could be pursued at all stages of education. This includes critical thinking, transfer of learning,
creativity, communication skills, aesthetics, work motivation, work ethics of collaborative functioning and
entrepreneurship-cum-social accountability.

Indeed, today's job market, offering employment, for example, in hotels, hospitals, construction, or
manufacturing, welcomes workers with specific occupational skills, and, more importantly, the ability to
understand and interact orally, to fill out job applications, and to use manuals or catalogues, successful
participation in training programmes, in specialized forms of English. Then, again, at the managerial level,
increasingly a proficient command of English is necessary to interact efficiently and appropriately with
English-speaking colleagues, clients, customers or employees; and, for students, it will be the achievement
of a higher level of competency in the global language, for their higher academic pursuits in India and
abroad.

The English Elective CBSE for Classes XI and XII, highlights the CBSE's approach to language training within an
academic and professional context. The content emphasizes literary appreciation along with language
competencies and effective workplace communication skills. Therefore, the comprehensive English
curriculum will enable students opting for English Elective CBSE to understand and use significantly complex
language in the contexts of higher studies or employment.

English Elective CBSE for classes XI and XII, includes listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, grammar
vocabulary and literary appreciation which will cover the various areas through a variety of themes offered
in the course materials.

The Approach to the Curriculum

A skill-based communicative approach is recommended with graded texts followed by learner-centred
activities.
Academic reading and writing and appreciation of literature form the basis of the syllabus.
It is recommended that teachers consciously take a back seat, playing the role of a coordinator and
facilitator.

Language Skills and their Objectives

Approach to Reading
The course aims at introducing a variety in text type rather than having only short stories and prose
pieces.

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 The emphasis is to enlarge the vocabulary through word building skills and impart training in reading for
specific purposes.

Specific Objectives of Reading:

Students are expected to develop the following study skills:
refer to dictionaries, encyclopaedia, thesaurus and academic reference material
select and extract relevant information, using reading skills of skimming and scanning
understand the writer's point of view
differentiate between claims and realities, facts and opinions
form business opinions on the basis of the latest trends available
comprehend technical language as required in various of professional fields
arrive at personal conclusion and comment on a given text
be original and creative in interpreting opinion
be logically persuasive in defending one's opinion
appreciate other' perspective.

Develop literary skills as enumerated below:

personally respond to literary texts
appreciate and analyse special features of languages that differentiate literary texts from non-literary
ones
explore and evaluate features of character, plot, setting, etc.
understand and appreciate the oral, mobile and visual elements of drama
identify the elements of style such as humour, pathos, satire and irony, etc.
make notes from various resources for the purpose of developing the extracted ideas into sustained
pieces of writing
summarizing

Listening and Speaking:

Listening and Speaking skills need a very strong emphasis. Hence, testing of these skills must be made an
important component of the overall testing pattern.

Specific objectives of Listening and Speaking Skills:

Communication
understand conversational English
confidence in speaking English with greater fluency
using a wider vocabulary to talk about a range of general topics as well as specific subject area.
adopting appropriate strategies to get more information
asking for repetition without losing understood names, terms, numbers, or directions
accuracy and pronunciation
efficient interaction

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Specific Objectives of Listening:
Students are expected to develop the ability:
to listen to lectures and talks and to be able to extract relevant and useful information for a specific
purpose.
to listen to news bulletins and to develop the ability to discuss informally on a wide ranging issues like
current national and international affairs, sports, business, etc.
to respond in interviews and to participate in formal group discussions.
to listen to business news and to be able to extract relevant important information.

Guidelines for Assessment in Listening and Speaking Skills

A. Activities:
Activities for Listening and Speaking available at www.cbseacademic.in are to be used for
developing listening and speaking skills of students.
Subject teachers should also refer to books prescribed in the syllabus.
In addition to the above, teachers may create their own material for assessing the listening and
speaking skills.

B. Parameters for Assessment:

The listening and speaking skills are to be assessed on the following parameters:
i. Interactive competence (Initiation & turn taking, relevance to the topic).
ii. Fluency (cohesion, coherence and speed of delivery).
iii. Pronunciation
iv. Language (accuracy and vocabulary).

C. Schedule:
The practice of listening and speaking skills should be done throughout the academic year.
The final assessment of the skills is to be done as per the convenience and schedule of the school.

D. Record keeping:
The record of the activities done and the marks given must be kept for three months after the
declaration of result of class XI, for any random checking by the Board.
No recording of speaking skills is to be done.

Approaches to Writing
The course for two years has been graded in such a way that it leads the students towards acquiring
advanced writing skills through integrated tasks that move from less linguistically challenging to more
challenging ones. It has been planned on the premise that sub skills of writing should be taught in a context
and more emphasis should be laid on teaching the process of writing.

Specific Objectives of Writing

to write letters to friends, pen friends, relatives, etc.
to write business and official letters.
to send faxes, e-mails[formal].
to open accounts in post offices and banks.

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 to fill in railway/airline reservation forms.
to write on various issues to institutions seeking relevant information, lodge complaints, express thanks
or tender apology.
to write applications, fill in application forms, prepare a personal bio-data for admission into colleges,
universities, entrance tests and jobs.
to write informal reports as part of personal letters on functions, programmes and activities held in
school (morning assembly, annual day, sports day, etc.)
to write formal reports for school magazines/events/processes/ or in local newspapers about events or
occasions.
to express opinions, facts, arguments in the form of a speech or debate.
to draft papers to be presented in symposia.
to take down notes from talks and lectures. to write examination answers according to the requirement
of various subjects.
Summarizing

Grammar and Phonetics

The Grammar that supports these skills includes adjectives and adverbs, modals and semi-modals, gerunds
and participles, the simple, continuous, perfect [present, past] tense forms, future time, active and passive
voice, reported speech, sentence transformation.

The Speaking and listening skills acquisition will be supported by the inclusion of the following: Speech
Mechanism, Organs of Speech, Classification of Vowels - Diphthongs, Cardinal Vowels, Phonemes - Allophones
and Allophonic Variations, Homonyms and Homophones, Stress and Rhythm, Intonation, Juncture Elision and
Assimilation.

Evaluation and Assessment

The curriculum is intended as a preparation/vocational for higher academic studies and professional careers
will require students to qualify in the assessments of the following areas:
Weightage
XI XII
Reading 20 30
Writing Skills and Grammar 30 30
Literary Appreciation and Extended Reading Texts 30 40
Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills 20

Group project/class presentation/case study/research will be based on the use of English for literary
appreciation in academic and professional/vocational contexts, for internal assessment
The multi-focal English language curriculum, aims at equipping our students with excellent communicative
skills in diverse applications of English Language designed to open up a wide spectrum of higher academic
and career avenues in a fast evolving knowledge and technology driven society. The curriculum with its
component for students' exposure to major works of literature will foster human values and will stimulate
self-exploration and effective self-expression to empower them to be active participants and contributors in
the knowledge society.
An integrated literary and functional English will provide students of the vocational and academic streams
important, more focused language skills necessary for successful upward mobility academically and

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professionally as a result of their higher standard of English proficiency. Besides, the revised integrated
curriculum will enhance the Total Learning Experience of students offering either the vocational or regular
streams, who will be the unequivocal beneficiaries of the most life-long and significant transferable job skill
that supports the achievement of their life goals, as confident and competent communicators in English, in
higher academic study/the work place.

About Reading

Inculcating good reading habits in children has always been a concern for all stakeholders in education. The
purpose is to create independent thinking individuals with the ability to not only create their own knowledge
but also critically interpret, analyse and evaluate it with objectivity and fairness. This will also help students
in learning and acquiring better language skills.

Creating learners for the 21st century involves making them independent learners who can 'learn, unlearn
and relearn' and if our children are in the habit of reading they will learn to reinvent themselves and deal
with any challenges that lie ahead of them.

Reading is not merely decoding information or pronouncing words correctly, it is an interactive dialogue
between the author and the reader in which the reader and the author share their experiences and
knowledge with each other which helps them to understand the text and impart meaning to the text other
than what the author himself may have implied. Good readers are critical readers with an ability to arrive at
a deeper understanding of not only the world presented in the book but also of the real world around them.
They not only recall what they read but comprehend it too. Their critical reading and understanding of the
text helps them create new understanding, solve problems, infer and make connections to other texts and
experiences. Reading does not mean reading for leisure only but also for information, analysis and synthesis
of knowledge. The student may be encouraged to read on topics as diverse as Science and Technology,
Politics and History. This will improve his/her critical thinking skills and also help in improving his/her
concentration.

ENGLISH ELECTIVE CBSE

(Code No. 101)
CLASS-XI
(2017-18)

SECTIONA

Advanced Reading Skills 45 Periods

MCQs, very short answer and short answer questions: to test comprehension, analysis, inference, evaluation
and literary appreciation
1. 450-500 words in length for note-making and summarising;
2. 400-450 words in length (comprehension and vocabulary).
The passages or poems could be of any of the following types:
a) Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions, reports.
b) Discursive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, reflective persuasive, etc.
c) Literary texts, e.g., poems, extracts from fiction, biography, autobiography, travelogue, etc.
Note: In the case of a poem, the text may be shorter than 200 words or 20-24 lines.

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 SECTION-B
Writing Skills and Grammar 60 Periods
This section will include writing tasks as indicated below:
3. Short Answer Questions: Messages, notices, e-mails (formal) and description of people.
Note: Though e-mail is included as one of the writing tasks, it is suggested that it may be tested as a
part of internal or formative assessment.
4. Long Answer Question: Based on a verbal or visual input:
a) Official letter for making inquiries, suggesting changes, registering complaints, asking for and giving
information, placing orders and replies.
b) Letters to the editor on various social, national and international issues.
5. Very Long Answer Question: Sustained writing tasks such as writing a speech, an article for a magazine
or report based on a verbal or a visual input.

Grammar
A variety of questions through MCQs and Very Short Answer type questions may be asked to test grammar
items in context (not as isolated sentences).Though only modals, determiners, voice and tense forms are
being dealt with in Class XI, other grammar items such as prepositions, verb forms, connectors which have
been learnt earlier would also be included.
Drafting questions/questionnaires based on verbal/visual input
Composing a dialogue based on the given input
Recognizing consonant and vowel values in pronunciation/ sentence and word stress
Correction of errors in sentences

SECTION - C

LITERATURE: Textbooks and Long Reading Texts 70 Periods

Questions are asked to test local and global comprehension involving interpretative, inferential, evaluative
and extrapolatory skills.
Very Short Answer Questions: Any two out of three extracts based on different poems to test theme,
setting and literary devices.
Short Answer Questions: Based on different prose prose / drama / poetry / peices to test Local and
Global comprehension of ideas and language.
Long Answer Question: Based on prose or play to test comprehension of characters, actions and plot
appreciation of literary conventions and reasoning.
Note: Short answer questions or long answer questions based on values can be given in the writing section or
in the literature section.
Long Answer Questions: To test understanding, appreciation, analysis, inference in the plot of the long
reading text and writing a character sketch.

Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills (ALS)

It is recommended that speaking and listening skills should be regularly practiced in the class. 45 Periods

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PRESCRIBED BOOKS:
1. Language Skills Book - Class XI English Elective CBSE published by Central Board of Secondary
Education, Delhi.
2. Literature Reader - Class XI English Elective CBSE published by Central Board of Secondary Education,
Delhi.
3. The Extended Reading Texts: (Either one) Author
i) The Canterville Ghost (unabridged - 1906 Edition) Oscar Wilde
ii) Up from Slavery (unabridged - 2000 Edition) Booker T. Washington

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 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN 2017-18
CLASS XI

English Elective CBSE XI (Code No. 101) Time: 3 hours Marks: 80+20=100

Typology Testing MCQ Very Short Long Long Very Total Over
Competencies/learning Short Answer Answer- Answer- Long marks all %
1
outcomes Answer 1 2 Answer
mark 50-60
1 mark 80
words 120- 150
100
150 200
4 words
words words
marks
5 marks (HOTS)
6 marks
10
marks

Conceptual
understanding,
decoding,
Reading analysing, inferring,
Skills interpreting,
5 5 1 1 20 20
appreciating, a literary
conventions and
vocabulary,
summarising and using
appropriate format/s

Reasoning, appropriacy
of style and tone, using
appropriate format and
Writing fluency
Skills and
Applying language 4 6 1 1 1 30 30
Grammar
conventions
appropriately using
structures integrative,
accuracy and fluency

Literary Recalling, reasoning,

Texts and appreciating literary
Long conventions and 10 1 2 1 30 30
Reading fluency
Texts

Assessment Interaction, reasoning,

of diction,
Listening articulation, clarity,
4 20 20
and pronunciation and
Speaking overall fluency
Skill

TOTAL 9x1=9 21x1=21 3x4=12 6x5=30 3x6=18 1x10=10 100 100%

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 EXAMINATION SPECIFICATIONS
ENGLISH ELECTIVE CBSE
Class-XII (Code No. 101)
(2017-18)
SECTION - A
READING SKILLS 60 Periods
Very short answer / Short answer and MCQ type questions:
Two unseen passages (including poems) with a variety of questions including 04 marks for vocabulary such as
word formation and inferring meaning. The total range of the two passages including a poem or a stanza,
should be around 1000-1100 words to assess comprehension, analysis, inference, evaluation and literary
appreciation.
1. 550-600 words in length (for note-making and summarising)
2. 450-500 words in length (to test comprehension)
The passage could be of any one of the following types:
Factual passages, e.g., illustrations, description, reports
Discursive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive
Literary passages, e.g., poems, extracts from fiction, biography, autobiography, travelogue, etc. In the
case of a poem, the text may be shorter than the prescribed word limit.

SECTION-B
WRITING SKILLS AND GRAMMAR 60 Periods
Short Answer Question: Notices, advertisements, factual description of people, places and objects,
drafting posters, drafting, accepting and declining invitations.
Long Answer Question: Letter of any of the following types based on a verbal or visual input:
a) Official letters for making inquiries, suggesting changes - registering and responding to complaints,
asking for and giving information, placing orders and sending replies.
b) Letters to the editor on various social, national and international issues.
c) Application for a job including CV (Curriculum Vitae) / Resum.
Very Long Answer Question: Sustained writing task such as writing a speech, an article for a magazine
or a report based on verbal / visual input.

Grammar 30 Periods
A variety of questions, as listed below may be asked, involving the application of grammar items in context
(i.e., not in isolated sentences). The grammar syllabus will be sampled each year. Though only modals,
determiners, voice and tense forms have been dealt with in class XI, however, other grammar items such as
prepositions, verb forms, connectors which have been learnt earlier would also be included.
Very Short Questions and Multiple Choice Questions
Reordering of words and sentences
Composing a dialogue based on a given input
Error correction in sentences
Drafting questions / questionnaires based on given input

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 SECTION - C

Literature: Prescribed Books and Long Reading Text (Novel) 70 Periods

Questions to test comprehension at different levels and of different kinds - local, global, interpretative,
inferential, evaluative and extrapolatory.
Very Short and Short Answer Questions: Two out of three extracts from different poems to test theme,
setting and literary devices.
Short Answer Questions: Based on different prose / drama / poetry / pieces from the Literature
Reader; to test local and global comprehension of ideas and languages used in the text.
Long Answer Question: Extended questions based on one of the prose texts or play in the Literature
Reader to test global comprehension and for extrapolation beyond the text.
Long Answer Questions: To test understanding, appreciation, analysis, inference in a plot and writing a
character sketch.
Note: Values based questions for 4 marks may be asked in Sections- B or C

PRESCRIBED BOOKS:
1. Language Skills book - Class XII English Elective CBSE published by Central Board of Secondary
Education, Delhi.
2. Literature Reader - Class XII English Elective CBSE published by Central Board of Secondary Education,
Delhi.
3. Extended Reading Text (Either one) Author
i) The Invisible Man (unabridged) H.G. Wells
ii) Silas Marner (unabridged) George Eliot

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 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN 2017-18
CLASS XII
English Elective CBSE XII (Code No. 101) Time: 3 hours Marks = 100
Typology Testing MCQ Very Short Long Long Very Total Over
Competencies/ 1 Short Answer Answer- Answer- Long marks all %
learning mark Answer 50-60 1 2 120- Answer
outcomes 1 marks words 80 - 150 150 -
4 marks 100 words 200
words 6 marks words
5 marks (HOTS)
10
marks

Conceptual
understanding,
decoding,
analysing,
inferring,
Reading interpreting,
Skills appreciating, 5 5 1 1 20 20
literary
conventions and
vocabulary,
summarising and
using appropriate
format/s

Reasoning,
appropriacy of
style and tone,
using appropriate
format with
Writing language fluency
Skills and
Applying 10 1 1 2 40 40
Grammar
conventions
appropriately
using structures
integratively with
accuracy and
fluency

Recalling,
Literary
reasoning,
Texts and
appreciating
Long 10 1 2 1 1 40 40
literary
Reading
conventions and
Texts/Novel
fluency

TOTAL 5x1=
25x1=25 3x4=12 2x5=10 3x6=18 3x10=30 100 100
5

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 3. ENGLISH (CORE) (Code No. 301)
(2017-18)
Background

Students are expected to have acquired a reasonable degree of language proficiency in English by the time
they come to class XI, and the course will aim, essentially, at promoting the higher-order language skills.

For a large number of students, the higher secondary stage will be a preparation for the university, where a
fairly high degree of proficiency in English may be required. But for another large group, the higher
secondary stage may be a preparation for entry into the world of work. The Core Course should cater to both
groups by promoting the language skills required for academic study as well as the language skills required
for the workplace.

Objectives
The general objectives at this stage are:
to listen and comprehend live as well as record in writing oral presentations on a variety of topics
to develop greater confidence and proficiency in the use of language skills necessary for social and
academic purpose
to participate in group discussions, interviews by making short oral presentation on given topics
to perceive the overall meaning and organisation of the text (i.e., the relationships of the different
"chunks" in the text to each other
to identify the central/main point and supporting details, etc., to build communicative competence in
various registers of English
to promote advanced language skills with an aim to develop the skills of reasoning, drawing inferences,
etc. through meaningful activities
to translate texts from mother tongue(s) into English and vice versa
to develop ability and knowledge required in order to engage in independent reflection and enquiry

At the end of this stage learners will be able to do the following:

read and comprehend extended texts (prescribed and non-prescribed) in the following genres: science
fiction, drama, poetry, biography, autobiography, travel and sports literature, etc.
text-based writing (i.e., writing in response to questions or tasks based on prescribed or unseen texts)
understand and respond to lectures, speeches, etc.
write expository / argumentative essays, explaining or developing a topic, arguing a case, etc.
write formal/informal letters and applications for different purposes
write items related to the workplace (minutes, memoranda, notices, summaries, reports etc.
filling up of forms, preparing CV, e-mail messages., making notes from reference materials, recorded
talks etc.

The core course should draw upon the language items suggested for class IX-X and delve deeper into their
usage and functions. Particular attention may, however, be given to the following areas of grammar:

The use of passive forms in scientific and innovative writings.

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Converting one kind of sentence/clause into a different kind of structure as well as other items to exemplify
stylistic variations in different discourses modal auxiliaries-uses based on semantic considerations.

Specific Objectives of Reading

Students are expected to develop the following study skills:
refer to dictionaries, encyclopaedia, thesaurus and academic reference material
select and extract relevant information, using reading skills of skimming and scanning
understand the writer's attitude and bias
comprehend the difference between what is said and what is implied
understand the language of propaganda and persuasion
differentiate between claims and realities, facts and opinions
form business opinions on the basis of latest trends available
comprehend technical language as required in computer related fields
arrive at personal conclusion and comment on a given text specifically
develop the ability to be original and creative in interpreting opinion
develop the ability to be logically persuasive in defending one's opinion
making notes based on a text

Develop literary skills as enumerated below:

personally respond to literary texts
appreciate and analyse special features of languages that differentiate literary texts from non-literary
ones
explore and evaluate features of character, plot, setting, etc.
understand and appreciate the oral, mobile and visual elements of drama
identify the elements of style such as humour, pathos, satire and irony, etc.
make notes from various resources for the purpose of developing the extracted ideas into sustained
pieces of writing

Listening and Speaking

Speaking needs a very strong emphasis and is an important objective leading to professional competence.
Hence, testing of oral skills must be made an important component of the overall testing pattern. To this
end, speaking and listening skills are overtly built into the material to guide the teachers in actualization of
the skills.

Specific Objectives of Listening

Students are expected to develop the ability:
to listen to lectures and talks and to be able to extract relevant and useful information for a specific
purpose.
to listen to news bulletins and to develop the ability to discuss informally on a wide ranging issues like
current national and international affairs, sports, business, etc.
to respond in interviews and to participate in formal group discussions.
to make enquiries meaningfully and adequately and to respond to enquiries for the purpose of travelling
within the country and abroad.

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 to listen to business news and to be able to extract relevant important information.
to develop the art of formal public speaking.

Guidelines for Assessment in Listening and Speaking Skills

A. Activities:
Activities for listening and speaking available at www.cbseacademic.in are to be used for
developing listening and speaking skills of students.
Subject teachers should also refer to books prescribed in the syllabus.
In addition to the above, teachers may create their own material for assessing the listening and
speaking skills.

B. Parameters for Assessment:

The listening and speaking skills are to be assessed on the following parameters:
i. Interactive competence (Initiation & turn taking, relevance to the topic).
ii. Fluency (cohesion, coherence and speed of delivery).
iii. Pronunciation
iv. Language (accuracy and vocabulary).

C. Schedule:
The practice of listening and speaking skills should be done throughout the academic year.
The final assessment of the skills is to be done as per the convenience and schedule of the school.

D. Record keeping:
The record of the activities done and the marks given must be kept for three months after the
declaration of result of class XI, for any random checking by the Board.
No recording of speaking skills is to be done.

Specific Objectives of Writing

to write letters to friends, pen friends, relatives, etc.
to write business and official letters.
to send faxes, e-mails[formal].
to open accounts in post offices and banks.
to fill in railway/airline reservation forms.
to write on various issues to institutions seeking relevant information, lodge complaints, express thanks
or tender apology.
to write applications, fill in application forms, prepare a personal bio-data for admission into colleges,
universities, entrance tests and jobs.
to write informal reports as part of personal letters on functions, programmes and activities held in
school (morning assembly, annual day, sports day, etc.)
to write formal reports for school magazines/events/processes/ or in local newspapers about events or
occasions.
to express opinions, facts, arguments in the form a speech or debates.
to draft papers to be presented in symposia.

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 to take down notes from talks and lectures.
to write examination answers according to the requirement of various subjects.
to summarise a text.

About Reading
Inculcating good reading habits in children has always been a concern for all stakeholders in education. The
purposes to create independent thinking individuals with the ability to not only create their own knowledge
but also critically interpret, analyse and evaluate it with objectivity and fairness. This will also help students
in learning and acquiring better language skills.

Creating learners for the 21st century involves making them independent learners who can learn, unlearn
and relearn and, if our children are in the habit of reading, they will learn to reinvent themselves and deal
with the many challenges that lie ahead of them.

Reading is not merely decoding information or pronouncing words correctly. It is an interactive dialogue
between the author and the reader in which the reader and the author share their experiences and
knowledge with each other. Good readers are critical readers with an ability to arrive at a deeper
understanding of not only the world presented in the book but also of the real world around them.

Consequently, they become independent thinkers capable of taking their own decisions in life rationally.
Hence, a few activities are suggested below which teachers may use as a part of the reading project.
Short review
Dramatization of the story
Commentary on the characters
Critical evaluation of the plot, storyline and characters
Comparing and contrasting the characters within the story and with other characters in stories by the
same author or by the other authors
Extrapolating about the story read or life of characters after the story ends defending characters actions
in the story
Making an audio story out of the novel/text to be read aloud.
Interacting with the author
Holding a literature fest where students role-play as various characters to interact with each other
Role playing as authors/poets/dramatists, to defend their works and characters
Symposiums and seminars for introducing a book, an author, or a theme
Creating graphic novels out of novel or short stories they read
Dramatizing incidents from a novel or a story
Creating their own stories
Books of one genre to be read by the whole class.

Teachers may select books suitable to the age and level of the learners. Care ought to be taken to choose
books that are appropriate in terms of language, theme and content and which do not hurt the sensibilities
of a child.

Teachers may later suggest books from other languages but dealing with the same themes as an extended
activity. The Project should lead to independent learning/reading skills and hence the chosen book should
not be taught in class, but may be introduced through activities and be left for the students to read at their

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own pace. Teachers may, however, choose to assess a student's progress or success in reading the book by
asking for verbal or written progress reports, looking at their diary entries, engaging in a discussion about
the book, giving a short quiz or a work sheet about the book/short story. The mode of assessment may be
decided by the teachers as they see fit.

These may be used for internal assessments only. It may be noted that this reading project is apart from
the long reading texts which have been prescribed for the Term-end Assessments.

Methods and Techniques

The techniques used for teaching should promote habits of self-learning and reduce dependence on the
teacher. In general, we recommend a multi-skill, learner-centred, activity based approach, of which there
can be many variations. The core classroom activity is likely to be that of silent reading of
prescribed/selected texts for comprehension, which can lead to other forms of language learning activities
such as role-play, dramatization, group discussion, writing, etc., although many such activities could be
carried out without the preliminary use of textual material. It is important that students be trained to read
independently and intelligently, interacting actively with texts, with the use of reference materials
(dictionary, thesaurus, etc.) where necessary. Some pre-reading activity will generally be required, and the
course books should suggest suitable activities, leaving teachers free to devise other activities when desired.
So also, the reading of texts should be followed by post reading activities. It is important to remember that
every text can generate different readings. Students should be encouraged to interpret texts in different
ways.

Group and pair activities can be resorted to when desired, but many useful language activities can be
carried out individually. In general, teachers should encourage students to interact actively with texts and
with each other. Oral activity (group discussion, etc.) should be encouraged.

ENGLISH CORE (CODE NO. 301)

CLASS XI
(2017-18)
SECTION - A

READING COMPREHENSION 45 Periods

Very short answer +/ Short answer and MCQ type questions:
Two unseen passages (including poems) with a variety of questions including 04 marks for vocabulary
such as word formation and inferring meaning. The total range of the 2 passages including a poem or a
stanza, should be around 900-1000 words.
1. 550-600 words in length (for note-making and summarising)
2. 350-400 words in length (to test comprehension, interpretation and inference)
An unseen poem of about 28-35 lines.
The passages could be of any one of the following types:
Factual passages, e.g., illustrations, description, reports
Discursive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive
Literary passages e.g. extracts from fiction, biography, autobiography, travelogue, etc. In the case of a
poem, the text may be shorter than the prescribed word limit.

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 SECTION B
WRITING SKILLS AND GRAMMAR
Writing 60 Periods
Short Answer Questions: Based on notice/ poster/ advertisement
Long Answer Questions: Letters based on verbal/visual input. It would cover all types of letters.
Letter types may include:
(a) business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving
information, placing orders and sending replies)
(b) letters to the editor (giving suggestions/opinions on an issue)
(c) application for a job with a bio-data or resum
(d) letter to the school or college authorities, regarding admissions, school issues, requirements /
suitability of courses, etc.
Very Long Answer Question: Composition in the form of article, speech, report writing or a narrative

GRAMMAR
Different grammatical structures in meaningful contexts will be tested. Item types will include gap filling,
sentence re-ordering, dialogue completion and sentence transformation. The grammar syllabus will include
determiners, tenses, clauses, modals and Change of Voice. These grammar areas will be tested using the
following short answer type and MCQ type questions.
Error Correction, editing tasks,
Re - ordering of sentences,
Transformation of sentences

SECTION C

LITERATURE AND LONG READING TEXTS/NOVELS 70 Periods

Questions to test comprehension at different levels: literal, inferential and evaluative
1. Hornbill: Textbook published by NCERT, New Delhi
2. Snapshots: Supplementary Reader published by NCERT, New Delhi
The following have been deleted:

Textbooks Name of the lessons deleted

Hornbill 1. Landscape of the Soul
2. The Adventure
3. Silk Road
4. The Laburnum Top (Poetry)
Snapshots 5. The Ghat of the only World
Very Short Answer Questions - Based on an extract from poetry to test reference to context
comprehension and appreciation.
Short Answer Questions - Based on prose, poetry and plays from both the texts.

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 Long Answer Question - Based on prescribed texts to test global comprehension and extrapolation
beyond the texts to bring out the key messages and values.
Long Answer Questions - Based on theme, plot, incidents or events from the prescribed novels.
Long Answer Question - Based on understanding appreciation, analysis and interpretation of the
characters.
Note: Values-based questions may be given as long answers in the writing or literature sections.

Extended Reading Texts: (either one)

With a view to inculcate the habit of reading among the students, CBSE has introduced compulsory reading
of a Long Reading Text - Novel in the English Core Course which will be evaluated in the Term-end
Assessments. Schools can opt for either one of the texts.
Author
i) The Canterville Ghost Oscar Wilde (unabridged 1906 Edition)
ii) Up from Slavery Booker T. Washington (unabridged 2000 Edition)

Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills 45 Periods

It is recommended that listening and speaking skills should be regularly practiced in the class.

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 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN 2017-18
CLASS XI
ENGLISH CORE XI (Code No. 301) Time- 3 hours Marks - 80+20=100

Typology Typology of MCQ Very Short Short Long Long Very Long Total Over
questions/ learning I mark Short Answer Answer Answer- Answer- Answer marks all %
outcomes Answer Question Question 1 2 150 - 200
Question 3 marks 4 marks 80 - 120-150 words
1 mark 100 words (HOTS)
words 6 marks 10 marks
5 marks

Conceptual
understanding,
decoding,
Reading analysing, inferring,
Skills interpreting,
6 6 1 1 20 20
appreciating ,literary
conventions and
vocabulary,
summarising and using
appropriate format/s

Reasoning,
appropriacy of style
and tone, using
appropriate format
and fluency inference,
Writing analysis, evaluation
Skills and and creativity,
10 1 1 1 30 30
Grammar appreciation applying
of languages
conventions,
comprehension
using structures
integratively,
accuracy and fluency

Recalling, reasoning,
Literary
appreciating a literary
Text books
conventions,
and long 3 3 3 30 30
inference, analysis,
reading
evaluation, creativity
text /novel
with fluency

Assessment Interaction, reasoning,

of diction,
Listening articulation, clarity,
4 20 20
and pronunciation and
Speaking overall fluency
Skills

TOTAL 6x1=6 19x1=19 4x3=12 1x4=4 5x5=5 4x6=24 1x10=10 100 100

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 ENGLISH CORE (CODE NO. 301)
CLASS XII
(2017-18)
SECTION A

READING COMPREHENSION 30 Marks

Reading Unseen Passages and Note making
Two unseen passages with a variety of very short answer / short answer or MCQ type questions to test
comprehension, interpretation and inference. Vocabulary such as word formation and inference of meaning
will also be tested.
The total length of the two passages will be between 1100 - 1200 words. The passage will include two of the
following:
a) Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions, reports.
b) Descriptive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive or interpretative text.
c) Literary passages, e.g., extract from fiction, drama, poetry, essay or biography. A poem could be of 28-
35 lines.
The passages can be literary, factual or discursive to test comprehensions. The length of one
passage should be between 600-700 words.
d) A third passage of 400-500 words for note-making and abstraction.

SECTION B

WRITING SKILLS 30 Marks

Short Answer Questions, e.g., advertisement and notices, designing or drafting posters, writing formal
and informal invitations and replies.
Long Answer Questions: Letters based on verbal / visual input.

Letter types include

Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving
information, placing orders and sending replies)
Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest)
Application for a job

Very Long Answer Questions: Two compositions based on visual and/or verbal Input may be descriptive or
argumentative in nature such as an article, a debate or a speech or a report

SECTION C

LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS AND LONG READING TEXT 40 Marks

Flamingo and Vistas
Very Short Answer Questions - Based on an extract from poetry to test comprehension and
appreciation.

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 Short Answer Questions - Based on prose / drama / poetry from both the texts.
Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the
texts to bring out the key messages and values.
Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension along with analysis and
extrapolation.
Long Answer Question - Based on theme, plot and incidents from the prescribed novels.
Long Answer Question - Based on understanding appreciation, analysis and interpretation of the
character sketch.

Prescribed Books
1. Flamingo: English Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi
2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New
Delhi
Note: Long answer questions based on values can be given in the writing section or in the literature
section.
Textbooks Name of the lessons deleted
Flamingo 1. Poets and Pancakes
2. The Interview
3. A Road Side Stand (Poetry)
Vistas 4. The Third Level
5. Journey to the End of the Earth
3. Extended Reading Text: (Either one) Author
i) The Invisible Man (unabridged) H.G. Wells
ii) Silas Marner (unabridged) George Eliot

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 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN 2017-18
CLASS XII
English CORE XII (Code No. 301) Time-3 hours Marks -100

Typology Typology of MCQ Very Short Short Long Long Very Total Over
questions/ I Short Answer Answer Answer- Answer- Long marks all %
learning mark Answer Question Question 1 2 Answer
outcomes Question 3 marks 4 marks 80 - 120- 150 -
1 mark 100 150 200
words words words
5 marks 6 marks (HOTS)
10
marks

Conceptual,
understanding,
decoding,
Analysing,
inferring,
Reading interpreting,
Skills appreciating 6 16 1 1 30 30
,literary
conventions and
vocabulary,
summarising and
using appropriate
format/s

Reasoning,
appropriacy of
style and tone,
using appropriate
Writing format and
1 1 2 30 30
Skills fluency,
inference,
analysis,
evaluation and
creativity.

Recalling,
reasoning,
Literary appreciating
Text literary
books and conventions,
4 4 4 40 40
long inference,
reading analysis,
text/novel evaluation,
creativity with
fluency

TOTAL 6x1=6 20x1=20 5x3=15 1x4=4 1x5=5 5x6=30 2x10=20 100 100

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